World Para Athletics Championships: Sumit Antil wins gold, narrowly misses world record

World Para Athletics Championships: Sumit Antil wins gold, narrowly misses world record.

Delhi: India’s javelin star Sumit Antil claimed gold in the F64 category at the World Para Athletics Championships on Tuesday, September 30, narrowly missing his own world record. Competing at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in front of compatriot Neeraj Chopra, Antil secured the top spot with a throw of 71.37m in his third attempt, setting a new championship record.

Antil, 27, had aimed to surpass his 73.29m world record and reach the 75m mark but admitted that weather conditions impacted his throws. He started strong with 65.59m, followed by a foul second attempt, and then 65.36m in the third. His fourth throw of 68.4m extended his lead by over 20 meters, leaving spectators, including Chopra, impressed. His final legal throw of 71.37m sealed the gold, though his last attempt was a foul.

Kazakhstan’s Tomas Soto claimed silver, edging out Rufat Khabibullin, who took bronze. India’s Pardeep Kumar finished fifth with a best throw of 42.72m.

This victory marked Antil’s third world championship gold, reinforcing his status as one of India’s premier para-athletes.